THE star of the Octagon's festive production says she cannot wait to lace up her red trainers and take families on a magical adventure this Christmas.

Anne O’Riordan returns to Bolton to play Dorothy in the Octagon Theatre's adaptation of Frank L. Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

This is the second Christmas show she has starred in an Octagon production, having played one of the ugly sisters and a rat in Cinderella two years ago.

"So this was a little bit different," said Anne, "rehearsals are intense and really fun, when they kids who are performing in the show come in at 4pm there is burst of new energy coming into the room."

Anne, who was recently in Gulliver's Travels, said she is sure the adaptation to the much loved children's story will be a hit with adults and children alike.

She explained: "The thing that is different about this one is, it is a completely new version, it's a Bolton adaptation so it is all set in Bolton.

"Dorothy is from Farnworth, Bolton Markets are referred to, so it all very different, and the music is all original.

"I think it is much more interesting and it is more fun to play because everyone knows Wizard of Oz but this is a bit more familiar because it is set in Bolton."

"I'm really liking the style of the show, the fact that it is, it feels very funky and cool to me and I really like the music ­— and the dog."

And Anne says you can't beat the feeling of being in a Christmas production.

"I think there is always a massive buzz around a Christmas show, children get so excited about Christmas, it is really lovely," she said.

The production will run from December 4 to December 31 in the Premier Suite at the University of Bolton Stadium.

For more information or to buy tickets go to octagonbolton.co.uk/whats-on/theatre/the-wonderful-wizard-of-oz/